Edgar Allan Poe

Poe's "Five Qualities of a Short Story"

1.  It should have a "totality of effect." 

(it needs to work well as a full unit... not just as smaller parts/sections)

2.  It should "begin with the first sentence." 

(not a huge exposition)

3.  It should "aim at the truth."

4.  It should be short.

5.  It should have no "loose ends."